Thank you, Shawn. I appreciate your advice.
Before I go for a full integration level upgrade, I've emailed a family friend who is BMW NA executive, as well as the team at ConnectedDrive, the Chairman, and my SA. Hopefully we can work out some sort of deal to allow me the suite of CD services, even if I have to pay. I just want to prove early-build cars are capable.
Got a voicemail form Willisch's secretary Tuesday. She want's the "discuss" something. I called backed and left another voicemail, as well as emailed my Contact at Corporate. We'll see where it take us, but it never hurts to ask. Especially when you throw in threats like "I'll just trade/total this 535 out and get a Benz."
Just heard back from BMW NA. There is a retrofit available now. Customer pay (of course). The new combox is ~$400-500, and installation time is approximately 1.5-2 hours. The ConnectedDrive subscription is $199/year. They're reaching out to the ConnectedDrive people, who will then contact my dealer to go over the logistics with them, and will then reach out to me to schedule installation. Now I'm wondering if they are upgrading just the combox or are retrofitting NBT with the integrated TCU.
Ultimately I want 6NR and basic Internet to work (news/weather/etc.), but I've read if you code out 639 (BMW Assist w/ Bluetooth), you also lose Bluetooth. I've also read that you have to recode the VIN on the Combox to another car, and the CIC to yet another, etc. etc. I'd just like someone to tell me my options, there seems to be tons of conflicting information, and before I pay $450+ to someone else, I'd like to try this myself.
Oh -- it's a US-market car. That has been a recurring issue for the last several hours. I'm reading things written by and for people in other markets.
4G Combox only. BMW AG will never put NBT in CIC car.
Really, the internet and Connectedrive in the BMW F10 is a waste. The apps are clunky and worthless.
You're better sticking with an iPhone or Android and letting someone else drive. I have found fiddling with the the odd requirements in setting up and limitations you have in accessing that I am more frustrated that I have it.
No, I get it.
Back in 2012, I purchased an X5 off the lot, because it had the 3rd row seat that I really wanted and had a good incentive at the time. After a few weeks and browsing the 'fest forum, I read of people discussing Connected/Office, etc and felt left out. It drove me nuts and I looked for options to replace the Combox, etc, just like you're looking at. So I know what you're thinking.
Today, I have Connected/Office; and, well, you know what my comments are.
Good luck in your upgrade!
...I changed the VO in e-sys weeks ago trying to get 6NR to work. Should I delete 6NR and 6AK out before I take it in? It didn't do anything (obviously) since my I-level is so old...
CIC can have only 6NR and NBT can have either 6NR or 6AK, but not both. For BMW Apps / Connected Drive Retrofit, you need a 9C FSC Code Imported and Activated and 6NR Coding.
No, I know about needing an FSC for 6NR after 42. My question was should I basically restore the original VO since the dealer is going to be reprogramming modules? I added 6AK and 6NR, validated it without issue, and wrote it to the car without issue. The car just doesn't know what it is I guess so is ignoring it. As you said before, 6NR wasn't available until 3/11 and a later I-step. My car has a 10/10 build date.
I just worry the dealer will look at the VO in ISTA and see that it doesn't match the central database and give me hell about it.
Yes! Do not send car to dealership with modified FA with 6NR and or 6AK. ISTA/P will reject it.